I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.

Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.

1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.

2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.

3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.

4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.

But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.

May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.

In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!

*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!

**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.

I had to take some time off to do just a little bit of this, living that is.

I needed to fall apart just a little.

I needed to have a good, long cry—to face the messy parts of what is.

I needed to shake some of the sorrow up to the surface, and exhale it away. . . or inhale it in. (I’m not sure there’s much of a difference with grief.)

It’s been 2 years now, almost 3, but usually it feels like last Thursday.

I go through this madness, thinking I shouldn’t be falling apart anymore. It’s foolish. What will people think? How will they react when they know the truth? What will they say when they know that sometimes, no often, it still hurts like Hell? That sometimes, no often, I still feel like I’m suffocating underneath it all?

. . . and then the sun comes out.

And then despite the rain, despite the thunder and the lightening, despite the begging and the longing and the bargaining and the pleading . . . through all of that weight. . . there’s light. And you know, somehow, someway everything truly is OK.

Out from under all.that.pain, you’re watching a miracle unfold. Right there in front of you. Layer by layer. Breath by breath.

And the miracle. . . is you.

You breathe in deep, flooded with inexplicable gratitude—oxygenating your very soul. Suddenly, for the first time in months, your feet hit the ground. You see all the pieces of yourself—the pieces of your sanity— and you know you can put it all back together again.

Marsha:
You are such a beautiful soul Natalie. I so enjoy reading your blog, your tweets and your facebook comments, you never sugar coat your life and thats what I find the most endearing.Your honesty is what makes you so brave and yet so fragile at the same time. I do wish though with all my might that I could take away your pain and sadness. xx September 13, 2012 12:55 am

Natalie Norton:
Marsha, brave and fragile. I think that right there is a recipe for a good life. And the pain makes me. . . me, so I'll keep it. :) :) Mwa. You are beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. September 13, 2012 7:41 am

Natalie Norton:
Kate, Thank YOU. xoxoxo September 13, 2012 7:41 am

Natalie Norton:
Jamie M, Nothing makes me happier than hearing THAT: "I needed this today." I'm glad it was there for you when you needed it. :) I think I needed you and your comment today, too. So, thank YOU. September 13, 2012 7:43 am

shari:
oh YOU! YOU YOU YOU! I just love you. SO.VERY.MUCH! I have missed you. I have missed your beautiful words. I have been thinking and praying for you during your silence on the blog. Don't think I could ever forget you. Thank you dear, sweet Natalie for sharing your beautiful heart and soul with me. I wish my words could buoy you up and you could feel strength from my long distance hug (just wrap your arms around yourself and squeeze like crazy!) and imagine me by your side. I wish I could take the pain away. wish i could squash that awful emptiness and fill you up with happiness. through it all, you always come around to see the light, the positive side. your humble attitude is such an amazing example to me. lovely love you! XOXO from HB September 13, 2012 8:53 am

Kelly:
Oh, Natalie. How I ache for you in the pain that comes. I'm so sorry. ((hugs)) Thank you for your honesty and your reality. It reminds me of Philippians 4:7...the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. There's no other explanation for what sustains our broken hearts. "The miracle of YOU."...love it. September 13, 2012 9:00 am

Ashley:
tears flooded my face as my eyes gazed upon each of your word. It felt like what you wrote were the echoes of my heart & I felt, finally, understood. September 13, 2012 9:19 am

Dolly:
The fact that I know what you mean is daunting. Most days.... I want to ignore the grind of each day and I simply want to go there. Either [there] or at least to that place in grief where everything in the world disappears and all I am left with is the connection to the infinite hope of glorious reunion. September 13, 2012 11:09 am

Angi:
Oh Natalie... you have a way of really really getting into my heart and soul with your words. You articulate exactly what I want to say and how I feel. YOU are such an inspiration and breath of fresh air that is much needed in this chaotic crazy world. I love you and your sweet big fantastic heart! I pray and pray that I can find an out, a way to exhale it all out, or breathe it in, as you say. Either way, you give me such hope! Thank you so much for being you and opening your soul! Aloha!!! September 13, 2012 12:19 pm

Julee George:
You are so eloquent, soulful, faithful, gentle, brave, real, beautiful, an inspiration, and a miracle! Thank you for being so open and sharing your soul. I hope it does bring you peace, often. September 13, 2012 7:29 pm

Jenny Solar:
Oh Natalie... I know this is hard. And just because it's hard doesn't mean we'll think any less of you... if anything, I think even more of you. You, my friend, you're changing the world. Every day. You're SO SO brave and strong and loving and I'm SO thankful to have you as a friend. I'm sending you a HUGE hug through the interwebs... I hope you can feel it September 13, 2012 7:30 pm

Stephanie Joy:
You beautiful soul I love you. You are honest, but uplifting even in your darkest moments. I love you for it. Dearly. September 14, 2012 1:19 am

echo:
i couldn't agree with stephanie more. you are wonderful. and inspiring. thank you for being you. September 14, 2012 6:01 pm

Breanna:
These words are beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and being so very authentic. September 16, 2012 3:18 pm

natalie:
Breanna, Thank YOU for reading and for connecting with me. Genuinely. September 20, 2012 10:34 am

natalie:
Angi, You fill me with joy. Thank you for your kind words. They encourage me in equal proportion to what my posts do for you. Sincerely. September 20, 2012 10:37 am

natalie:
Dolly, I would give anything for you NOT to know what this feels like. I hope you know that. I love you, and I am ALWAYS here. September 20, 2012 10:37 am

natalie:
Kim, Kim, Kim. I know you are. You are one of the most genuinely empathic people I know. I love you. September 20, 2012 10:38 am

natalie:
Ashley, I wish you didn't understand. I wish no one did. But I hope these words brought your brittle heart some comfort, some knowledge that you are never alone. I am here and so is He, always. September 20, 2012 10:39 am

natalie:
Kelly, It truly does. . . surpass all understanding that is. It is a tender mercy from God. He loves us more than we know, doesn't he? It's pretty amazing to be privy to that knowledge. If only all the world knew how very, very close he really is. September 20, 2012 10:40 am

Diane:
Wow, I know exactly those feelings and that's exactly how I dealt with the grief too. Wishing you light and an evergrowing new normal plus the joy that will come again. September 21, 2012 9:09 pm

Candy:
oh how this resonates with me. I did not lose a precious baby as you did, so I know I can't relate but your words capture the grief of losing my Dad so well that I can barely type. And then, the hope and promise of a new day... thank you for sharing so much of yourself. September 24, 2012 4:02 pm

Leisa:
Thx for this.
it was so refreshing and real :) Mahalo!
-sounds like you're in a good place being back here on the rock :) July 3, 2012 4:27 am

Sarah:
Amen. Thanks for starting off my day with such a refreshing perspective. July 3, 2012 4:36 am

Jo Thomas:
You have a way of making topsy-turvy seem normal and achievable and even quite an adventure. Beautiful thoughts to finish my day with and be inspired for tomorrow, thank you times thirty four! xxx July 3, 2012 4:53 am

Annie:
Can you hear my heart singing? See my tears glistening? Feel the depth of my gratitude? I love you Gann. July 3, 2012 6:22 am

Kate:
Perfect and poignant. Thanks for continuing to teach, so that we may all learn to breathe a little more. XO July 3, 2012 6:47 am

Amy Paulson:
Oh sweet Natalie...I love you. And I love every last word here. Cannot wait to hear more about your time in Hawaii. Praying you enjoy soaking up EVERY last second. And that book proofing goes SO well! July 3, 2012 7:08 am

Camille:
Sweet Mercy!! This list is perfect. I want to post this list all over my house and at work....for everyone to see!!! July 3, 2012 9:58 am

Megan:
This is perfection. Absolute perfection. Can I just please move to Hawaii now? July 3, 2012 10:08 am

Marsha:
Thank you Natalie for sharing this. I needed to read this today. xx July 3, 2012 6:08 pm

Kendall Souter:
These are perfect.. truly.. please type them in a neat scroll-y font, frame them, and display them in your home, regardless of how long the frame may need to be.... My ultimate top two (because you were dying to know) :)
Worry is nothing more than praying for what you don’t want.......HOLY MOLY.. SCARY just how true this is!!!
Being in the ocean is the best practice in mindfulness there is.... FACT: I ALWAYS feel closest to God in our near the ocean...
Truly though, thank you for these!!! July 4, 2012 10:19 am

Anna Packard:
I love this post! It's like those framed posters you find at Target full of inspirational statements, except WAY better because it is full of your personal truth. This post inspires me to try meditating again. July 7, 2012 9:38 pm

marjorie:
reading this came in the nick of time. was just about ready to lose it what with clients, another bad date, etc. i hope you don't mind - i just sent this to two friends (with credit given to you). you made an impact on this person's life and i say thank you. July 27, 2012 9:48 am

The Road Less Traveled.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this. . .the long way, the road less traveled, the river deep, the valley wide.

So many things in our life have taken us, well, the looooooong way. The mountains have been higher and the valley’s lower and wider than I could have ever anticipated (in my wildest of dreams). But in retrospect, this really has made all the difference in the world. I’ve seen more, I’ve done more, I’ve learned more than I ever could have otherwise. The lessons have been as deep as the mountains have been high.

You want shallow lessons? You take the easy way. You want surface level understanding and fulfillment? Short cuts will serve you well.

I don’t want these things. I don’t.

The trick (and yes, there really is one) is letting go, leaning in, and not wasting your life in worry, doubt or fear. As long as you’re tuned in, and committed to what’s truly best for you (not what you WANT, or think you NEED, but what’s best), everything really does have a way of working itself out. (Yes, even THAT. You know, that thing you’re worrying about right this very second? Yes, even THAT will work itself out, in the perfect way and at the perfect time for you.)

Someone I really love once said, “You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness; then the light will appear and show the way before you.” And I believe him. With all my heart.

PS. Love this pretty little stretch of highway between Wahiawa and Waialua. Kaukonahua Rd takes just a little longer than the “standard” route through the pineapple plantations (Kam Highway), but it’s soooo totally worth it.

PPS. This post took a thousand years to write. 3 kids, one frazzled momma, a studio apartment, and all kinds of sleep deprivation. . . snerk. SOS! I’m d-d-d-drowning. Can’t wait for Richie to get here next week!

Ashley R:
I love your honesty and your way with words. Absolutely beautiful. And somehow they're always what I need to hear at that point in my life. You rock. June 21, 2012 3:38 am

Abbey bernardi:
Im so glad you wrote this, it is beautiful and do helpful! Xo June 21, 2012 5:18 am

LIz:
Beautiful writing again Natalie. I know that my marriage would not be what it is today (and probably wouldn't even be), if we hadn't had to go through a bunch of yuck at the beginning of everything.
And no Richie all this time?? You are a super mama!! :) June 21, 2012 5:32 am

christina moodie:
Love this Natalie. It is so much easier to take that main road but that road less traveld, though hard, can be so worth it! Those lessons learn, although so difficult in the moment, they normally are exactly what you need. June 21, 2012 7:11 am

Jenni Bailey:
I've been thinking about this a LOT lately, too. It's comforting to hear the same sentiment from you. Thank you so much for sharing your heart, Natalie. You inspire me a million times a day. Seriously, you have no idea how much. xoxo June 21, 2012 7:21 am

Amie White:
How is it done? You have once again reached across the ocean to hug my soul ...
I will remember and rejoice that I have never walked alone on my "road less traveled".
Drink your shakes and get your water sister! Sleep is on the horizon. (Hurry Richie! Nat needs a nap!) LOL June 21, 2012 8:12 am

Shelly:
True -- such very true words. It kind of rankles me to stop and know that I've gained the most from the hardest of times. I don't really want it to be true. That's the kid inside of me. The adult tries to remember that it's true, and I'm thankful you reminded me! This is beautiful. I love you. June 21, 2012 10:02 am

erin:
How did you know I was worrying right this second...ha! Thanks for a well written post filled with your beautiful images. June 21, 2012 12:44 pm

Kristy Degraaf:
One of my favorite quotes is similar. Just looked up the credit and I guess it's by Patrick Overton. It's says "When you walk to the edge of all the light you have and you take the first step into the darkness of the unknown you must believe one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for you to stand on or you will be taught to fly.". Thanks for your blog. I look forward to your posts ;) June 21, 2012 3:17 pm

Maren:
So beautiful. And, as hard as it is, exactly what I needed to hear. I've definitely been wasting my life in worry and fear - it's been paralyzing, really. I still don't really know how to let go, but I know I need to try again. And that cloud photo? Can I please have a ginormous print of that?! (Really. I'm serious. I really want one.) I could stare at those clouds forever. June 21, 2012 4:56 pm

ally:
As always...just what I need to hear. 18 moves later...I'm greatful for the road less traveled and for memorizing this poem in 8th grade. I really took to it. Only now, I'm seeing why!!! Thanks Natalie for writing about more than the status quo!! June 26, 2012 10:19 am

Juanita:
I'm smiling, laughing and crying at the same time reading your post. It's soooooooooooooo what I needed at this very exact time in my life right now. Thank you for your words, courage, faith and diligence in writing this post. Although we are so far from each other right now, and haven't really talked talk in years, and weren't exactly super close to begin with, I have been so touched many times over from a variety of your post and felt so close to now then ever before because you follow the spirit often and you open your HEART not only for me to see but
for EVERYONE. Thank you Natalie for being an instrument in God's hands and for being a part of an answered prayer. Like I said I'm crying and laughing right now with joy in my heart for answered prayers. Love you girl:) June 26, 2012 12:48 pm

That’s not really a thing, by the way. The road to Waimanalo. Well, yes it is, but nobody calls it that. What I’m referring to is the stretch of Kalanianaole Highway that runs between Hanauma Bay and Waimanalo. So beautiful. SO. I’d recommend it to anyone. It’s a short drive that runs right along the water, and you’ll die it’s so gorgeous. The color of the water is amazing island wide, and no matter what, but there’s something about this particular stretch of water that is somehow even MORE breathtaking (and most especially on a sunny day). Be still my soul. Granted, today, we went VERY late in the evening (inches from dark), and it was still breathtaking.

In winter months (Nov-April), this is a WONDERFUL place to look for whales. I don’t know that I’ve driven this stretch once during that time frame when I haven’t seen at least water spray, and more often than not, I’ve seen a full breach!

These images don’t really highlight the beauty of the drive. . .this was more a 3 minute, impromptu, Grammie, Pop and boys family portrait session. :) But it really is as amazing as I say. Cross my heart.

Ummmmmmm, we actually saw mountain sheep (or goats??). I didn’t even know those things existed in Hawaii. I’ve never seen anything like it in 12 years on the island. I didn’t get a picture. . . we were WAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY to far away for my 24mm lens. Apparently, there’s a farm around there. I don’t really know for sure (just Googled and that’s my best guess). Anyway, Lincoln and Pop thought they were especially neat. See:

These two, loving each other, is like my favorite miracle of all time. Times 73 (at least).

Raleigh was over it, fast. (Punk.)

Below: ugly picture, that I still love.

And isn’t she lovely?

Oh, and by the way, Ken’s Bakery in Waimanalo is pretty darn famous. I’ve never been, but everyone raves. A good day of amazingness might be snorkeling at Hanauma and then a trip to Ken’s bakery. (Just don’t go on a Tuesday, because Hanauma is closed.) Ok, last thing, promise. Hanauma is wonderful, but CROWDED. By far the most famous snorkeling on Oahu, but be prepared to share your fishies with 9 zillion of your favorite strangers.

Liz:
Again, Natalie - these cannot be your parents!! They are so young looking. I think you might be lying to us :) Beautiful black and white! June 16, 2012 6:31 am

Dolly:
Love that this photo shoot features grandparents with their grandkids!!!!! I love those Links and Nortons! June 16, 2012 8:37 am

Michelle Jones:
Natalie, I don't even know why but these pics brought tears to my eyes. You captured so much love.
And your mother is incredibly gorgeous! June 16, 2012 9:41 am

Kendall:
Three things: Your way too self-deprecating (I mean that lovingly) you're BEEEEautiful and need to embrace it.. Take it from a (e-mail convo only) stranger :)...Your mama and dada are seriously GORG as in Gorgeous...Thus explaining your beautiful-ness (wd?) and third... my fam and I are hoping to visit Hawaii in late Fall and I'm loving ALL of your must-visit tips on Hawaii!!! Hope to one day meet!! :) June 16, 2012 10:13 pm

Jo:
You know what amazes me? Your parents have been through so much (losing a child and watching another child experience the same grief) and yet in their faces there is so much real JOY - now that's amazingly beautiful. And inspiring, that they choose to see this world for it's goodness. Now we know where you get all your gorgeousness and wisdom from!! Guess it would be hard not to feel impossibly happy around your boys - especially when tickles are happening! Lovely, lovely photos, clever you, xo June 18, 2012 7:49 am

Jenni:
You're not going to come back...and I don't blame you. One bit. Enjoy every minute and I am so thrilled that you are able to mark off your summer bucket list in PARADISE. Your boys look so happy. And so do you! :) So happy for you!! June 19, 2012 7:00 pm

cool blog:
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site. Keep up the good writing. June 20, 2012 2:34 pm

Victoria Derrick:
The amount of over flowing LOVE these pictures reflect...priceless! Thank you for sharing with all of us your heart, your thoughts, and your never ending strength.
P.S. I've seen numerous goats on Kauai :-) Na Pali coast trails have them prancing around like no care in the world. Looks like you are enjoying yourself, I'm so glad. xoxo June 21, 2012 6:00 am

Melody:
Just mirroring the other comments here.... You are beautiful. Your parents are beautiful. You all have such joy and light in your faces. It's inspiring. I also have lost a child. I want to have the same joy reflecting outward as your family does. Love.
Thank you for sharing with us. June 21, 2012 11:06 am

Emily:
I've been away from your blog for a few months now, super busy time of life, and it has done my soul good to come back and pour over your images that are saturated with life and love and to be reminded of what is really important to me: my family. My husband and I spent some time exploring Oahu and camping all over the place after we were married and of all love many lovely beaches Waimanalo was our favorite by far. Thank you once again for sharing your beautiful gift... June 29, 2012 9:14 pm

Annie:
You are truly remarkable. With a lens, with your life. I stand in absolute awe. And love.
Now, go to bed. June 15, 2012 2:41 am

Laura Radniecki:
Now that the goosebumps have gone away from my whole body... I only spent 9 months living on Oahu while my husband was at the Marine Corps base, but those 9 months left a lasting impression on my soul. This photo... your words... I don't know whether to laugh or to cry. It's with both remarkable joy at being given the opportunity to live there, and with severe sadness at having to leave, that I remember my time on Oahu. [Which is exactly why I read your blog so often. :)] June 15, 2012 11:34 am

sally:
Oh this shot takes my breath away. Thank you. I grew up across the street from Sharks cove. This is my childhood, my whole life happened here. I long to go back and take my children one of these days. As for now, we are in Hilo. Aloha. June 23, 2012 7:39 am

natalie:
Sally, Aloooooha. I hope you find yourself back with those kids of yours someday very soon. July 3, 2012 2:49 am